Friends group and library staff preview summer reading, book sale and fundraisers

Volunteers and staff updated the board on summer fundraising and programming plans, including an upcoming book sale and a summer soirée to raise money for library programs.

A Friends representative said the book sale will run June 19–20 and that the city will help set up tables. The group also previewed a summer soirée in July at the Liberty Lake Winery with live music, food, auctions and outdoor activities to raise funds for programs supported by the Friends of the Library.

Staff reported that five or six volunteers stuffed more than 600 summer reading bags in slightly more than an hour. The bags will accompany a dinosaur‑themed summer reading program for children that includes reading logs (zero–five: 30 minutes; six–12: one hour), tiered prizes (book, food coupons from McDonald's and Papa Murphy's, stuffed animals) and raffle drawings. An adult punch‑card program offers five activities for a prize and raffle entry.

Michaela described teen programming (weekly Teen Tuesdays including Nerf battles and museum box exhibits from the Burke Museum) and said museum-quality 'boxes' arrive with lesson plans, videos and specimens for hands‑on events in late August–September. Staff also listed performers and activities including Reptile Man, Cecil the Magician and a Hilya Hula Hoop show at Pavilion Park.

Staff noted recent Mission Street construction and a refinished parking lot temporarily disrupted access; curbside pickup and temporary parking at the police department mitigated the impact and the work is now complete. The board confirmed August 12 as the next regular meeting date, with the venue to be confirmed.

Board members thanked volunteers and staff for preparations and encouraged publicity via social media, school newsletters and the library website.